Alleviating Menstrual Cramps

Menstrual cramps are a common symptom experienced by women during their years of fertility and menstruation. Many women deal with menstrual cramping to some degree during their cycle. For some women, cramps may be light and hardly bothersome, but for others, the severity of pain is so severe that daily life is barely manageable. This guide will discuss what they are, possible causes and how to alleviate them using a holistic approach.

What are Menstrual Cramps?

The pain that comes along with that ‘time of the month’ can be associated with various processes occurring within the body. During menstruation, the uterus is contracting to help expel the lining. Hormone-like substances involved in pain and inflammation, called prostaglandins, are also being released to trigger contractions (higher amounts of prostaglandins = more inflammation and pain).

Cramping can occur before (usually 1-3 days before but can be up to 2 weeks), during (the first few days or the entirety of menstruation), and even after menstruation (up to 2 weeks).

For many women, cramps usually occur at the same time during each menstrual cycle.

Symptoms

Although menstrual cramps are generally similar for most women, they can be experienced very differently. Cramping is often felt in the lower abdominal area but can radiate to the lower back and even the thighs. The pain can be experienced as bouts of throbbing and cramping, or be a constant and dull ache. Many women can sense that menstruation is near when feelings of pressure, warmth and light cramping begin in the lower abdominal area.

Some women may also experience other symptoms aside from cramping including:

Nausea

Loose stools and digestive upset

Headaches

Dizziness

Factors That Contribute Menstrual Cramps and Symptoms

Hormone imbalances

Irregular and heavy bleeding

Emotional stress

Smoking and drug use

Onset of puberty

Age

Possible Causes of Menstrual Cramps

Nutrient deficiencies

Allergies or intolerances

Ovulation

Candidiasis

Uterine fibroids

Uterine incapacity

Endometriosis

Adenomyosis

Pelvic inflammatory disease

As menstrual cramps are not a pleasant experience, there are things that can be done with regards to diet, lifestyle, supplementation, and herbs to alleviate or manage the symptoms.

Nourishment

Hydrate - keeping the body hydrated is important for nourishing and soothing the tissues. Be sure to drink plenty of filtered water every day (about 8-10 cups). Sipping on warm water will increase blood flow which can reduce the severity of cramping. Upgrade your water by adding fresh ginger and lemon, or peppermint and cucumber

Include lightly cooked vegetables and warm foods - such as soups and broths that are loaded with nutrients. The warmth will be soothing to the body, can ease cramping and digestion, and can reduce digestive upset

Include dark leafy greens - such as kale, spinach, broccoli, collard greens, etc. They are rich in calcium and magnesium which are involved in muscle contractions

Include foods rich in phytoestrogens - such as flax seeds, nuts, whole grains, apples, fennel, celery, parsley, and alfalfa. These can help balance out hormones and relieve symptoms

Include good quality protein - such as lean turkey, chicken, fish, and eggs that are grass-fed, non-GMO, free-range, etc.

Hot water bottle - use it on the abdominal area or where cramps are experienced to soothe and warm the area and reduce the severity of cramps

Relax - tension in the mind can intensify tension in the body. Do what you can to calm your mind and body, whether that’s by taking a bath, reading a book or practicing deep breathing (it’s a great way to calm the nervous system)

Rest - when dealing with stress and pain the body needs rest to heal and deal with what is going on. Take a day off, allow yourself to sleep in, go to bed earlier. Do what you can to allow your body to rest

Magnesium Bisglycinate - is well known for its ability to relax and soothe tense muscles and cramping. It can also help with other PMS symptoms such as headaches, insomnia, and anxiety

Dosage: 400-600 mg in the evening before bed or when needed

Vitamin E - has the ability to inhibit the release of arachidonic acid which converts to prostaglandins (that lead to pain and inflammation) which will reduce the severity and duration of cramping

Dosage: 400-800 IU daily

Vitamin B Complex - the B vitamins have various roles throughout the body such as maintaining blood circulation, reducing stress, increasing energy and metabolism.

Dosage: follow instructions on the bottle

GLA - Borage and Evening Primrose oil are great sources of GLA which is converted to good prostaglandins that can reduce pain and inflammation

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